With reverent care
he opened the book
unleashing the words
held captive within.
The hearts of those listening
were kindled with a holy fire for
his voice was the voice of God
he spoke with power and authority.
For others, his voice was like
sand rubbing in a sandal
an annoying irritation
they thought he was a fool
pompous and arrogant.

The words he read evoked
astonishment and consternation
was he not a simple carpenter?
Others, though, were instilled
with a sense of hope and purpose.
He breathed new life into ancient words
launched his ministry
sealed his fate
made enemies into friends and
friends into enemies.

With his words the Reader
stirred up envy and jealousy
aroused hostility and malice
provoked small, closed minds
to plot and plan with clandestine murmurs.
The Reader caused
kingdoms to shudder
creation to tremble
hearts to race
minds to question
the world to turn upside down.

The Reader challenged
the complacent and comfortable
confronted the self-righteous and self-absorbed
defied the status quo as he
ushered in God’s Kingdom on earth
as it is in heaven.

Still today the Reader continues
to amaze and astonish
provoke and prod
inspire and compel
set on edge and incite.
He forces us to
take a stand with him
in service and self-sacrifice
or turn against him
ignoring his call to share his yoke.

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has chosen me to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind,
to set free the oppressed and announce that the time has come when the Lord will save his people.”
When the Reader was done he closed the book and sat down saying, “This passage of scripture has come true today, as you heard it being read.”
(Luke 4:18-21)

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